Tinubu returns from secret foreign trip and tells Nigeria that the all the lost hope is now back

FORMER Lagos State governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the hope which was almost lost is now back following his return to the country and commencement of his electoral campaign.

Yesterday, Asiwaju Tinubu returned to Nigeria after mysteriously spending 12 days in the UK, which raised a few eyebrows, as it was believed he went abroad for medical treatment. Having missed several important functions while abroad, including the signing of a peace accord between Nigeria's political parties Asiwaju Tinubu has been under pressure to reveal the true status of his health.

In a bid to defect the criticism, Asiwaju Tinubu released pictures if himself attending meetings while in London and of him playing with his grand children. Yesterday afternoon, however, he returned to Abuja from London and urged Nigerians to be more patriotic and refrain from speaking evil about the country.

According to Tinubu, if Nigeria needs rebuilding, he is a builder and if it needs reconstructing, he is a construction engineer. He was received by elated party chiefs and loyalists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, led by his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima and a former APC national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, among others.

Asiwaju Tinubu said: “The trip was very good. I enjoyed my break and I am happy to be back in my fatherland. Nigerians should expect a very intelligent ability to think and perform. The hope that is almost dithering is back. I am back actively."

He will immediately engage in a series of political consultations, starting off with hosting members of his presidential campaign council and meeting the Progressive Governors Forum and the APC's national working committee. Former communications minister Adebayo Shittu, said that the wild jubilation that greeted Asiwaju Tinubu’s arrival was enough to make some people cover their faces in shame.

Mr Adebayo added: “They probably thought he won’t return to the country. I told you earlier he is coming today, didn’t I? Let us even assume he went for medical treatment abroad, should that be an issue? His fitness video and the eventual return have put an end to all their speculations.”